“Drivers, start your engines”; Daytona International Speedway

NASCAR, the great American sport, takes place at Daytona Speedway every year around the founding date in the middle of February. March 12, starts the next event and fans will gather from all over the world to watch.

The next race being held at Daytona International Speedway is the Daytona 200, which will consist of top riders from the AMA Pro Racing, a motorcycle race. The race date is March 12.

Hopefully March will bring as much luck to the tracks as the week of Feb 12 did. Fans gather at the Daytona International Speedway to watch the race, while it is broadcasted in over 150 countries and in 20 different languages.

As fans flooded the speedway, all around were cars, beer, food, tents and flags. If a quiet sport seems more tasteful, NASCAR might not be the right choice. When going to a race, don’t forget the earplugs! The whole week is spent preparing and qualifying for the big Sprint Cup race on Sunday. Fans relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere, but you’ll be sure to find them right at the edge of their seats as the words “Drivers, start your engines” spill out, the gun fires and the cars start the 500 mile journey to the finish line.

Daytona is known as the “biggest race of the year” according to NASCAR fan, Kyle Rush. This opinion is supported by Daytona International Speedway website where it states that “Daytona 500 is NASCAR’s biggest, richest and most prestigious race”.

NASCAR, National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing started in 1948 by Bill France Sr., a mechanic from Washington D.C. He eventually moved south in hopes to find luck in the business.

According to NASCAR.com, the story behind NASCAR blossomed in the 1940’s when the transportation of moonshine was vital. People wanted a fast and resourceful way to transport moonshine from one place to another. Fast cars became favored in the south and so began the nature of stock car racing. There are over 30 NASCAR tracks dispersed all over the country, Daytona being among the three most popular along side Talladega, Alabama and Bristol, Tennessee.

This year, Trevor Bayne, 20 years old, took the Sprint Cup leaving fans stunned and excited to see such a young racer get a win on his first attempt in Daytona and his second cup race he has attempted. Bayne is the youngest driver ever to win the Daytona 500.

Does this mean move over Dale Earnhardt Jr.? Voted most popular driver since 2001 except for 2002 according to The Official NASCAR website, NASCAR.com. It looks like there is a new kid in town, and he is starting off with a big win.

For more information on Daytona International Speedway and upcoming races, go to www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com. It is the American sport that is loved by many, supported by the south and broadcasted all over the world.